TheFly

Any feed back on the North Face Bionic or any recommendations for a jacket that would be suitable for ORD in the winter?

Thanks in advance!

John Carr

I don't see this thread going well, but I`ll try to help.......

Are you talking about the Apex bionic softshell winds copper, or one of the other models? Seems as if there's a few models of the jacket now.

If you are, its not warm enough for an upper Midwest, or any other cold winter. I carry a long sleeve fleece liner to go underneath. There are other makers of basically the SAME jacket for a cheaper price than what NF charges for theirs. Even at Target.

And NO, I DONT wear mine with my uniform.

19hundo

Love my bionic!

iceman49

From another site:

Summary
Great for around the town, also great in the backcountry for early spring to and mid to late fall hikes. Blocks the wind and adds some warmth. Definitely worth adding to your coat arsenal.
Pros

• Windproof
• Sheds light to moderate snow

Cons

• Heavy

A great windproof jacket that can shed light rain and snow for any most types of weather you may encounter when out and about. Wore it primarily this year walking and commuting to my classes in law school, but it worked great for that.
Worked well for dayhikes around Michigan throughout the very mild winter we had here. Definitely need to wear another layer under it when the temps go below 40°F. Easy to put a fleece layer underneath and will be good to go for 25°F+.
Definitely a good buy and something worth adding into your shell arsenal.

John Carr

Just curious, but heavy compared to what other types of coats for the same similar/purpose? As far as folding it up and putting in a roller goes, it's pretty light weight and packs easy.

I'd agree with those temps as far as the warmth factor. With my fleece lining it's good down to about 5-10 F.

ExAF

That depends...If you live in the north 5-10F, if you live down south probably 30-40F!

John Carr

Good point. For me at least, I can tolerate a colder temp in a dry climate vs. one in a more humid climate.

But I get your joke as well

Billy Pilgrim

Look into an ARC'TERYX jacket. I've owned a lot of North Face products (grew up in the midwest). But hands down the best jacket I have ever owned. Awesome customer service and warranty etc... as well.